6 named cultivars

perennial

Common Peony

Paeonia officinalis

The Story

Plant Bio

Paeonia officinalis, commonly known as the Common Peony, is a herbaceous perennial with showy flowers.

Known for its large, fragrant blooms and long-lasting cut flowers, it also has a history of medicinal use.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides large, fragrant, and visually striking flowers that enhance garden aesthetics.

Used in herbal medicine for various traditional remedies.

Supports pollinators like bees and butterflies during blooming season.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

30 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Over 50 years

Native To

Southern Europe

Toxicity

Mildly toxic to humans, toxic to pets if ingested.

Planting

How to Grow

Select a well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
Tuck seeds or divide root crowns in early fall or early spring for best results.
Plant peonies 3-4 inches deep, spacing them 3-4 feet apart for ample growth.
Mist cuttings lightly and keep in bright, indirect light during propagation.
Water consistently, especially during dry spells, to keep soil evenly moist.
Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Plant peonies in a sunny spot with good air circulation for abundant blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry periods 💧
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer
Mulch to retain soil moisture and keep weeds at bay
Support heavy blooms with stakes if needed
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms

Don't

Avoid planting too deep, which can hinder flowering ❌
Don’t prune in late fall or winter, as it can damage the crown ❌
Do not overwater, as peonies dislike soggy soil ❌
Avoid using fresh manure directly on roots
Don’t disturb the roots once established

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Plant
Stake
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant perennial border with fragrant flowersClassic cottage garden accentVanilla-scented cut flower arrangement

Companion Plants

Lavender Salvia Delphinium AlliumFoxglove

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Common Peony questions

What zones can Common Peony grow in?

Common Peony is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Common Peony deer resistant?

Yes — Common Peony is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Common Peony bloom?

Common Peony typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Common Peony need full sun?

Common Peony does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.